From its early identification with the Germanic root words "grass" and "grow," the color green has been associated with life, renewal and hope. Because in the natural, we are surrounded by a world of green trees, grass and meadows, the human eye feels very comfortable with this color and all its many shades. In fact, green not only dominates nature but also takes up the most space in the color spectrum that is visible to the eye. Its calming familiarity makes it the perfect backdrop or background for daily living, working and playing.

Since Pantone named Emerald its new Color of the Year, green has been receiving extra attention from both fashion and interior designers. Sexy, deep-green cocktail dresses and elegant jewel-tone evening gowns are currently in demand, but cheery, brightly patterned cotton sundresses and lime-green accessories and shoes are also showing up in department stores. When just one statement accessory is desired, an apple-green handbag is a perfect solution. Because this color works equally well with white, brown, gray or black outfits, there is no need to be continually switching purses.

Interior decorators love green because it doesn't shout for attention. Rather, it is comfortable providing a neutral background for a variety of regional and seasonal styles. For example, Benjamin Moore's Aganthus Green 472 is a mossy shade that is ideal for grounding other colors. Powerful corals, reds, blues or browns will feel right at home against such a gentle, backdrop. Similarly, Farrow and Ball's Stone White 11 is so quiet, the casual observer may not be able to tell if it is actually gray, green or taupe. To add some tropical or spring energy and excitement to a room, consider Benjamin Moore's Chic Lime 396. Paired with clean white, yellow or black, this fun color breathes life back into any space.

Although Emerald may be Pantone's popular color-of-choice for 2013, green has a long and rich history beyond the fashion world. Many Arab countries include it in their flags because green is a sacred Islamic color. Ireland also lays claim to green by associating it with its verdant countryside, St. Patrick, leprechauns and four-leaf clovers. Because of its association with safety and health, many drugs and medical products are packaged in green containers. Environmentalists have also co-opted this color. "Going green" has become a fashionable and politically correct attitude for countless businesses and private individuals. Folks with "green thumbs" are great with plants. A "green light" is permission to move forward in some manner, and "greener pastures" invite success just down the road.

Unfortunately, green also has some negative connotations. Being a "green-eyed monster" or "green with envy" is definitely not a good thing. A "greenhorn" or someone who is "green" is inexperienced, untested or perhaps just a beginner. If you are "green around the gills," you are looking pale and sickly.

What about the "greenback"? American bills may have originally been printed with black ink and green tints because green ink was readily available in large quantities. It was also fairly resistant to breaking down chemically or physically. Possibly the color also had some psychological effect as people subconsciously associated the new bills and the government with security and stability. In any case, using one tint has not been conducive to deterring counterfeiters. By the 1900s, bills of larger denominations were gradually being offered with more-complicated color blends.

Expect green to stay in fashion for some time. Almost everyone loves this color in at least one of its many shades. As the quiet guest in any room, green is both adaptable and supportive. It does not draw attention to itself and as such, is the perfect mixer. Yes, expect to be seeing the many shades of green everywhere in the weeks and months to come.

It was probably the ancient Egyptians who first introduced the world to the product we know today as cake. Baked primarily for religious ceremonies, this early creation bore little resemblance to the elaborately decorated and colorful confections we enjoy today. In fact, it was more like a honey-sweetened fruit-bread. Medieval versions were used as centerpieces for the tables of European aristocracy, but it was not until sugar became more readily available that French chefs popularized the idea of actually serving iced, sweetened cakes to guests who dined at their tables.

Because of their early cultural and religious significance, cakes have always played an important role at any commemorative event, and that has not changed. Today, colorful cakes are the focal point of weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, showers, graduations and holiday festivities. Decorating styles and icing colors continue to change slightly each year, but the perfectly decorated cake always blends into the overall decorating scheme of each special event.

According to Dawn Hodapp, former lead baker for Sun Valley Resorts, a soft, neutral color on a clean, simple cake shape is a sophisticated look for formal occasions. Picture stacked layers of a square cake in gentle grays or silver and adorned with pearls, pink flowers, and delicate ruffles. For a more dramatic effect, how about adding some black scroll work? Is black icing ever appropriate for a special occasion? Actually, black is one of the new trendy colors, especially for 2013 black-and-white weddings. Such cakes create a dramatic statement at the reception. Pairing black with a soft pink, gray or even a chocolate brown tones it down slightly.

Other popular icing colors this year include delicate hues such as Apricot or Candlelight. A tiered Yellow fondant with iced white flowers and floral scrolling would be perfect for a summer celebration. “Pearlized” pink fondant with rhinestones would be a little more feminine and formal. White fondant with hand-painted flowers and delicate vines or birds is also charming. The increase in popularity of Mint Green icing may be a response to Pantone’s new Color of the Year: Emerald.

To choose the proper icing color for your special-occasion cake, let the theme and overall decorating scheme be your guide. By taking a swatch of material or ribbon with you, you can match almost any color perfectly or choose a fitting complementary hue. For example, Wilton icing products include Golden Yellow, Lemon Yellow and Buttercup Yellow. Daffodil Yellow is a pale, all-natural version free of Yellow #5 dye, which can be a problem for those with food allergies.

When decorating your own cake, stick with all primary colors for a bold, striking effect, or choose pastels for a softer appearance. Use concentrated gel formulas that will not affect the thickness of your icing. Standard food-color dyes may weaken the consistency. Also, always mix enough icing to finish the project in that color. It is very difficult to mix up a second batch that matches perfectly. Unlike buttercream icing, royal icing tends to darken slightly after it sets for a few hours. No-Taste Red is best for decorating a large area in this bold color. For darker colors such as Navy Blue and Black, start with a dark chocolate icing. Because black is almost impossible to mix, it is best to use purchased black icing rather than trying to create your own.

Whatever the occasion, let your colorful cake become the crowning point of the celebration. A delicious-tasting, colorfully decorated cake will always make a great lasting impression!

Recently, the Indian tradition of Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, was celebrated around the world. Wherever there are large Hindu populations, these joyous and sometimes raucous days of parades, bonfires, music and meals are always highlighted by the throwing of colored powders and the spraying of colored water. Although the holiday tradition originated in India and Nepal, the faithful of Bangladesh and Pakistan also participate. Even Hindu populations in the United Kingdom and the United States join in on the fun. Not-surprisingly, many non-Hindus can’t resist the colorful mayhem that accompanies this celebration. In big cities such as Houston, Austin, Washington and New York City, the attendance continues to grow each year.

One Indian tradition says that Holika, the wicked sister of King Hiranyakashipu, and the king’s son were placed together on a pyre, which was then lit. While the evil aunt was consumed by the fire, the innocent young boy survived. Hence, a commemorative bonfire is built from old wood and leaves each year and ignited late on the first night of Holi. This is also an occasion to burn away the old residue of winter and to celebrate the new life and rebirth the world experiences as spring finally arrives. In fact, Holi was probably an agricultural festival in ancient times. The green powders thrown on people symbolize vitality, fertility, happiness and life.

Holi also commemorates a second tradition, the love between Lord Krishna and his soul mate, Radna. Apparently, he was given permission to color her fair face to make her appear darker. He also loved playing with and splashing young maidens with water. Red, the dominant color of the holiday reminds participants of love and passion. As in the United States, sensuality and energy are symbolized by this color. However, in India, red is also the color of purity and a popular choice for weddings.

A deep, vibrant Prussian blue powder is another popular holiday choice. Known as Lord Krishna’s color, this shade is sacred in India. Although it will be thrown wildly with the other colored powders or sprayed in water guns, blue is still considered a sacred color and associated with calmness and tranquility. For Hindus, saffron is the most revered color, and as such, it might be considered India’s favorite color.

Yellow is everywhere at Holi. It has an element of sacredness and piety and is frequently used at weddings, but it also has an element of sensuality. As Lord Visnu’s color, it is reputed to repel evil, attract a desired mate and to welcome spring. Although early celebrants once smeared ashes from the bonfires on their faces, black is not a popular Indian color. It is never displayed at weddings or births, and it is never worn by pregnant women or children.

White, on the other hand, represents both tranquility and purity. It may be worn to celebrate the death and rebirth of a loved one. It’s the best color to wear to start your Holi celebration. At the “Color in Motion” and “Color Me Red” 5K marathons held in conjunction with this holiday, participants dress in white running clothes. As they complete each kilometer, they are doused with a different-colored, bright powder.

Holi may well be the least religious Hindu celebration, but it is certainly a time for fun and merriment. More importantly, it is an invitation to cross social barriers and to build stronger community ties. No wonder Americans are falling in love with this colorful, carefree holiday!

Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is fast approaching, and for most American children, the prospect of enjoying colorful Easter candy is usually part of the celebration. Whether presented in brightly decorated baskets or hidden around the yard, Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, Peeps, jellybeans and other sugary delights appeal to kids of all ages.

Part of the fun of Easter is decorating hard-boiled eggs. Because eggs were originally part of the forbidden meat and dairy products during the 40 days of Lent, they were always joyously welcomed back to the table on Easter Sunday. Pastel colors differentiated this holiday from Christmas and celebrated the arrival of the soft hues of spring. Today, however, all colors are welcome as long as some traditional decorations are included. Each Easter color has significance in keeping with the religious traditions behind the celebration:

• Red is the color of the blood of Christ and represents His ultimate sacrifice for the sake of mankind. A red egg was traditionally offered to friends when greeting them on Easter morning. The egg represents the grave, the prison of the tomb and the renewing or resurrecting of life by breaking free of it.
• Red-Violet is also a reflection of pain and suffering.
• White has always represented purity and grace in the Christian tradition.
• Purple is a reminder of wealth and royalty.
• Yellow is a reflection of happiness in the presence of the sun’s brightness.
• Green, as a spring color, reminds us of the hope of new life and the future.
• Orange also represents hope through the bright colors of sunrise each day.
• Pink is symbolic of fresh beginnings.
• Rose reflects joyous celebration and jubilation.
Gold speaks of those things that are precious and valuable Silver represents brightness and purity. Gray reminds of the ashes associated with mourning, repentance, fasting and prayer.

After the long, sober days of fasting for Lent, the bright colors of Easter candy are a welcome relief and change. This year, more than 10 million PAAS egg-decorating kits will be sold to decorate 180 million Easter eggs. PAAS has been selling their kits for 130 years. Nine different dyes and Magic Crayons offer limitless possibilities for very simple or intricate egg-dyeing. In addition to solid colors, children will paint their eggs with glow-in-the-dark colors, marbled or tie-dye effects, and neon shades. Glitter pens can add delicate detail. Melted crayon shavings also create dramatic effects.

It may well be that the traditional bright yellow Peeps are the modern-day “candy of Easter.” More than a billion of these squishy marshmallow treats will be sold this year alone. Owned by a company in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Peeps are celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2013. However, in addition to those little yellow chicks, shoppers can choose chocolate-dipped and multicolored versions. Peepsters are smaller chocolate candies that have been filled with marshmallow-flavored cream.

What would Easter be without the deep rich chocolate brown of an edible Easter bunny? Adults and children alike enjoy nibbling these delectable sweets. Jellybeans in every color and flavor imaginable are also standard candy treats. While this holiday may be riddled with danger for dieters, for the rest of us, Easter is the perfect time to celebrate the risen Savior and the return of spring. It is also a good excuse to indulge a sweet tooth.

The wait is over. The new color choice for 2013 has been announced. Say hello to Pantone 17-5641 Emerald. This calm and sophisticated hue will be a welcome contrast to the high-energy Tangerine Tango of 2012. Sitting miles apart on the color wheel, emerald green creates an entirely new feel and anticipation for things to come. Since green has traditionally been associated with life, energy, rebirth and well-being, this positive color is full of hope and expectancy for better things ahead.

Perhaps its positive attributes explain why emerald green has been such a popular color for more than 4,000 years. Deep green gemstones were known and sold in ancient Babylon. They were mined in Upper Egypt and made into favorite jewelry pieces for Cleopatra. Aristotle believed that owning a brilliant green emerald would improve one's business, health and general opportunities for success. The Incas worshiped this powerful stone they found hidden in deep in the mountains.

The favorite choice of both royalty and celebrities, emerald green gems can be found in the Russian crown jewels and several of Queen Elizabeth's pieces. Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Sharon Stone all received beautiful engagement rings featuring emerald green centerpieces. Sparkling green seems rich and luxurious when surrounded by glittering diamonds.

Pantone does not make its yearly color-choice announcement lightly. With a 50-year tradition as the world provider of color standards, the company scours the globe for trends and sources of inspiration. New technology, world events, popular entertainment themes, art, travel destinations and even industrial designs can provide clues about which color will best suit the current pulse of the world community. Emerald green is sure to be a huge hit at a time when everyone is hoping for a prosperous and healthy future.

Look for this multifaceted shade in all areas of fashion design this year. As a rich jewel-tone color, emerald will be showing up at night clubs and high-end formal affairs. However, it also has a casual and whimsical side. When worn as an accessory instead of taking center stage, it can be lighthearted and sweet, almost nostalgic. Expect to see an abundance of green in sportswear and casual clothing lines for both men and women.

Sephora will also be adding this new hue to its make-up line. As an eye shadow, it is the perfect complement for all eyes. Emerald enhances green eyes, deepens brown eyes, emphasizes the green undertones in hazel eyes and is compatible with blue and gray eye colors. It complements all lip shades, especially pink ones, and can be a great punctuation mark for exciting nails.

Decorators are very happy about Pantone's choice too. Green is the most abundant color in nature and the one the human eye recognizes most. As such, it will be a popular choice to bring indoors this year. Emerald is perfectly suited to the recent trend of creating a single "focus" wall in a room, a simple, easy way to change the entire feel of a living space. Less expensive and less overwhelming than painting an entire room, creating one vibrant green wall can be a great, safe decorating choice.

Emerald green accents can also be added to white, blue or yellow themes by exchanging throw pillows, slip-covering chairs, repainting a single piece of furniture, hanging new curtains or adding art work, vases or jar lamps. Sometimes, a few "pops" of color around the room are sufficient to change the entire mood and feel of the space. The wonderful thing about this newest green is that it will transition nicely from spring to summer to fall and into winter's Christmas season. This is going to be an exciting and promising year for Pantone's No. 17-5641 Emerald.

Not only is white transforming the outdoor landscape in many parts of the country at this time of year, but it can also become a wonderfully flexible color for breathing new life into your indoor design. Now is the perfect time to take a second look at the simplistic beauty of white.

Decorating colors are as changeable as the season or the current fashion fad. In recent years, the popularity of the "green" movement translated into numerous earthy decorating schemes. Retro color palettes also found their way into many homes. Other designers have played with chocolate-pink or black-gray color combinations. However, if you look closely, you'll see that white has never totally vanished from the scene, and now, it appears to be regaining some of its status both as a powerful neutral and as an exciting, energizing accent color.

Pantone may have just recently announced Emerald as its new color for 2013, but Benjamin Moore is offering more than 200 shades of white paint to suit every taste. Traditional best sellers such as Navajo White (PM-29), Linen White (PM-28), and Ivory White (925) are being joined by three new popular shades: Simply White (2143-70), Moonlight White (2143-60), and China White (PM-20). Why so many variations? Today’s white paint colors can include a hint of green, pink, or blue undertones for the perfect match to the rest of your decorating scheme.

White walls take a step backwards to make small rooms seem lighter, larger and airier. When balanced with wicker and rich wood tones, the result is a Zen-like quality of peaceful tropical luxury. White is also the perfect choice for those who have filled their home with antiques and treasures from long ago. Heirlooms seem to take on more distinction when they are contrasted with pristine white walls. Darryl Carter, author of "The New Traditional," suggests that "White makes old things seem more current."

For those who are afraid that too much white will cause a room to feel cold and sterile, adding pops of color and textured materials such as fluffy rugs and pillows will create that cozy, cottage feeling. A "countrified" alternative is to mix a softer white with neutral grays and browns. White kitchens sparkle with an atmosphere of clean, precise efficiency. When appliances, furniture and walls are monochromatic, adding a pop of a favorite color is an easy and inexpensive decorating trick. The same principle holds true for the living room, dining room, bathroom and bedroom. Small bursts of color scattered purposefully around the room can create a huge impact. Better yet, they can be switched out seasonally or as often as your mood changes, without breaking the bank.

White is particularly useful in older homes or apartments that have unusual architectural features. That old stove pipe or sealed door seems to disappear when it becomes part of an all-white landscape. Rooms are unified as similarly painted walls or floors carry guests from one space to the next. Furthermore, moving furniture from one room to another works easily when the background is a consistent white.

While white may be one of the most versatile of paint colors, take time to find exactly the right shade for your decorating projects. Consider using it to freshen unsightly furniture. If you have young children or pets, slip-cover your outdated sofa and chairs in easy-care, washable white fabrics. White is a practical, functional color with the potential to be a blank canvas for dramatic settings. Unlike Pantone’s Emerald, which will be popular this year and gone the next, white will be around forever.

Today, more than 75 percent of the women of the United States and Europe are regularly changing their hair color. Some wish to appear more fashionable or youthful. Others imitate the hairstyles of their favorite celebrities, the trendsetters of the modern world. The "graying of America" remains unpopular with middle-aged women and men, and today's easy, do-it-yourself home kits are an ideal solution. Still others try to restore original hair color that has been damaged by illness, medical treatments or other causes. Whatever the reason, it has never been easier to permanently adjust your hair color or to try a temporary new look.

Changing your appearance by changing the color of your hair is not a new idea. The Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used animal or plant matter to alter their natural tresses. The ancient Gauls and Saxons dyed their hair and skin startling colors to instill fear in their enemies on the battleground. By the Middle Ages, red hair had become associated with witchcraft and was a condition to be dreaded and hidden. Elizabeth I, with her long curly red tresses, changed all that, and henna treatments suddenly became popular and fashionable hair treatments.

Henna is still a popular, chemical-free choice for today's woman. Since naturally red hair-color occurs in less than one to three percent of the population and is generally limited to natives or descendants of Australia, Ireland, Scotland and the United Kingdom, everyone else must resort to products such as Rainbow Henna, Natural Expressions Henna or Clairol Professional Jazzing in Red Hot hair dye. Unless you are Katy Perry, "carrot top" red is out, but copper, bronze, strawberry blonde and auburn are popular choices because they add warmth and gentle color to the area around the face.

Katy Perry and Lady Gaga may be today's trendsetters when it comes to unusual hair colors, but during the Baroque period of European history, powdered wigs were often dusted or dyed pastel pinks, blues and yellows or bleached blonde. Manic Panic is a natural, vegetable-based hair-color brand that is safe for sensitive skin and yet can deliver rock-star shades and startling effects. For those who want this look temporarily, non-permanent formulas shampoo out before Monday morning arrives. Dyed hair extensions are another popular special-occasion option.

While black is the most-common natural hair-color, chestnut brown is currently the most popular. Not only are brunettes seen as more stable, intelligent and competent, but surveys repeatedly show that men find brown-haired women more attractive. Since women still tend to believe that "blondes have more fun," this perception raises an interesting contradiction. Blondes tend to be perceived as flighty, scatter-brained and irresponsible, especially in American society. Could it be that many men would rather date a blonde but marry a brunette? Natural blondes represent less than two percent of the population.

Until the 1950s, the only way to lighten your hair color was to expose it to bleach or peroxide. However, repeated treatments weakened and damaged the hair. Applying lemon juice and sitting out in the sun for prolonged periods were also options, but not suitable ones for many busy women. When Clairol and L'Oreal introduced bleach-free and DIY kits, women quickly began experimenting with new looks. Today's hair-color products offer gentler dyeing processes. Improved conditioners further minimize any damage to the hair shaft. If you have always wanted to try being a blonde or a redhead, or if you simply want to cover those persistent gray hairs, finding the perfect hair color has never been easier.

The traditional red and green colors of Christmas have a long and rich history rooted in both paganism and Christianity. To celebrate Saturn, the god of agriculture, Romans set aside the days from December 17 to December 25 as special holidays. Exchanging greenery such as holly and ivy was a way to wish one another long life, peace and good luck. Early Christians chose to stamp this tradition with a more spiritual emphasis. They renamed it Christmas as a mass for Christ, and red became the sacred color associated with His sacrificial life and death.

Throughout the years, green, the color that represents life, nature, peace, eternity and the hope of the future, has been important, especially to families trying to survive the harsh conditions that winter brings. Whether this has meant decorating a house with palm branches in Egypt, bringing in an evergreen Christmas tree in Germany or stringing green garlands across a fireplace mantle in Vermont, this color is a reminder that the earth may appear asleep, but spring and reawakening are just a few short months away.

While red is an important symbol of Christ's birth and death, it also reminds the world to celebrate His selfless love and sacrifice. Holly berries, the red robes of church bishops, and red apples on the pine trees of medieval miracle plays were the forerunners of Rudolph's red nose, and Santa’s familiar crimson suit. In Mexico, the beloved red poinsettia is a common Christmas decoration that reminds families of the star that hovered over Bethlehem so long ago. The red amaryllis and Christmas cactus also bring this beloved color into the season. In Argentina, red and white garlands are hung over doorways during November and December.

Although trends are slowly changing, red and green remain the most universally accepted colors of Christmas, but they are not alone. Gold, silver, white and blue also have a place at many festivities. Gold is symbolic of the one of the gifts brought by the magi to the Christ child and of the star that led them from the East. Find this warm, rich color in every crackling fireplace and flickering candle light.

Pairing gold with black is one of the sophisticated new Christmas decorating choices for 2012. Think black tree with gold garlands and ornaments, gold candles sitting on black holders, and gold tablecloths with black dinnerware. This look is sophisticated and elegant and the perfect setting for an adult holiday dinner party. If gold and black seems a bit too edgy, what about using a deep golden yellow as your foundation color this year? Enjoy its warm glow, and create a magical appeal with lots of glitter.

For a more "Winter-Wonderland" approach, consider a white or silver tree with retro orange, pink, red and purple decorations. Silver and green together also creates an exciting icy effect. A still-popular choice from 2011 is turquoise with sky-blue and violet. Gray and cream, white and brown, and blue and black are other striking alternatives to the usual Christmas reds and greens. As long as you are able to capture those traditional holiday feelings of love and celebration, your Christmas décor can be every bit as unique as you are.

If you want a quick and easy way to revamp your home, why not think about turning some old, boring furniture into a quirky new design feature? If you've got an ancient chest of drawers that could do with an update, get some tips on how to transform them here.

Preparation

Before you get out the paint or stencils, make sure that you prepare the surfaces of your drawers first. That means removing any existing or flaking paint and sanding down to create an even surface.

Painting Effects

Rather than just slapping on a simple coat of paint, you can customize your drawers to create a unique feature using one of these different painting effects:

• Distressing - this involves sanding off bits of the paint work to create an aged look. Apply a fresh base-coat of paint in your desired shade beforehand and work on sanding parts of the drawers that would naturally get worn, such as the edges and handles.

• Stenciling - is a great way to personalize a piece of furniture; there are thousands of different pre-made stencil designs to choose from but if you want to be even more unique, make your own. Use masking tape to secure the stencil to the drawers before painting over with a brush or spray - remove only when paint has fully dried.

• Sponging - will create a mottled look, which you can make more dramatic by sponging in a variety of colours or shades of the same colour. Use a 100% real, rather than synthetic, sponge for best results. Before you start, completely saturate the sponge so it expands to full capacity and then wring out till damp.

• Splattering - a paint-splattered look might not be to everyone's taste but can fit well in a quirky home or a kid's bedroom. Don't wet the brush with too much paint before splattering to stop it from dripping everywhere - if you're brave, use lots of colour to create an eye- catching effect.

Choosing Colour

When choosing a new colour for your chest of drawers, consider the colour scheme of the entire room and whether you want to blend in with that, or stand out from it. Certain colours can create a particular ambience, so be aware of this when deciding which one to go for - here are some popular examples:

• Red - bright reds can signify danger, whereas darker redcurrant red can represent passion, while light raspberry red paint can create a feeling of warmth.

• Purple - because purple dye was traditionally expensive to produce, the colour is associated with wealth, luxury and royalty. Dark shades of purple, such as plum should be used sparingly so as not to be too imposing.

• Blue - is a calming colour, especially softer baby blue or sea shades. More striking cyan or teal blue paints create a more dramatic effect.

• Green - is associated with nature and is very easy for the eye to adjust to. Paint shades range from soft apple green to darker moss or olive to vibrant lime.

• Yellow - can be sickly or overpowering, but just the right shade can brighten a room and enhance its energy, whether you choose bright lemon or soft buttercup shades of paint.

• White - signifies purity and cleanliness, but can become cold and clinic if used in the extreme.

You can always try using a range of paint shades in the same colour palette to provide some variety. It's also a good idea to combine colours with neutrals like beige or cream to allow the eye to rest.

Paint Costs

Regular paint or gloss can be applied to wooden drawers, whereas special bituminous paints are available for metal drawers. The cost of paint will largely depend on which type and brand you choose, for example:

• A 2.5 litre tin of Dulux standard interior matt paint costs £13.99
• A 2.5 litre tin of Leyland exterior paint costs £17
• A 2.5 litre tin of Crown bathroom/kitchen paint costs £25.49
• A 2.5 litre tin of Johnstone's endurance paint costs £32.34

Ask any school child where the custom for our American Thanksgiving celebration began, and the answer will be "from the Pilgrims of Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts." It is an established fact that in 1621, a group of 90 Wampanoag Native Americans joined with this fledgling British colony to celebrate the goodness of God in allowing them their first successful harvest. For three days that fall, food and sport were the main attractions. Grateful hearts and songs were raised by the New World settlers.

While Florida, Maine, Texas and Virginia have all laid claim to earlier Thanksgiving services, our familiar images of that first celebration are drawn from the Pilgrim experience as it was immortalized in a letter sent to England by Edward Winslow. In any case, in 1941, Congress permanently established the fourth Thursday in November as a day to celebrate our many blessings.

For most Americans, Thanksgiving is also a celebration of the wonderful, warm colors and aromas of autumn. Brown is the dominant color. Think of golden brown turkeys roasting in ovens across the nation and browned breads slathered with melting butter. Brown, especially rich chocolate, is also a popular decorating color. While grays are currently gaining in appeal, browns can be very inviting as a neutral, calming backdrop to the other warm colors in the fall palette.

Perhaps the second most popular Thanksgiving color is orange. Pumpkins are the obvious favorites. In fact, Native Americans may have been the inventors of the first pumpkin pies. Certainly, this cheery vegetable was a staple in New England diets. Moist carrot cakes and sweet potato casseroles echo the theme. Adding some brilliant fall foliage or dried flower arrangements with cheery orange coloring adds a bit of excitement to your Thanksgiving decorating scheme.

Corn was another important food at that first celebration. In addition to the traditional yellow varieties, this vegetable can also be grown with white, blue, orange, red and brown kernels. Corn pudding, corn bread, peach dishes and yellow squash always bring buttery-yellow color to the Thanksgiving table.

The other traditional color is represented by the red foods. Think of plump cranberries and winter-red apples. For the settlers, cranberries had medicinal value and were a means for adding sweetness to meats. Combining the berries with maple sugar and cooking them on the stove produced the fragrant, familiar compote that we know today as cranberry chutney or cranberry sauce.

When it's time to plan your holiday decorations, keep the colors of your Thanksgiving entrees in mind. Put the pastels and purples away. Consider neutral whites or creams for your tablecloth and dinnerware for a more formal setting, or choose autumnal shades to enhance the warm, festive ambiance. Colored, scented candles, dried-flower arrangements, rusty red and dusty green pillows on the sofa, an orange throw and a simple piece of wall art in coordinating colors can transform your home and set the mood for this special occasion.

Thanksgiving is a time to pause and consider all the blessings in your life. Like the Pilgrims, enjoy an abundance of colorful foods, and play some sports. Invite friends and loved ones, and make it a day to remember.